The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy - October 23, 2016

Julia J. presented a great overview of the talk "The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy" by Elder Peter F. Meurs from the October 2016 General Conference.

1) Prepare in advance

2) Arrive early

3) Sing and learn words from the words of the Sacrament hymn

4) Spiritually participate in the Sacrament Prayers

• What are we willing to sacrifice?
• We are promised to have his Spirit, how does that effect your life?
• How do you stay engaged during the prayers?

The prayer concludes with a sublime invitation and promise: “That they may always have his Spirit to be with them” (Moroni 4:3).

Paul wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). Beautiful blessings and gifts are available to us as we keep our covenants. ("The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy")

5) Ponder and Remember Him as the Sacrament Emblems are passed

As the bread is passed, we may contemplate that in the ultimate act of love for us, the Savior took “upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people” (Alma 7:12).

We may remember the glorious blessing of the Resurrection that “shall come to all, … both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame” (Alma 11:44).

As the water is passed, we may remember the plea of the Savior:

“Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; …

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink” (D&C 19:16, 18).

We remember that He took “upon him [our] infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to [our] infirmities” (Alma 7:12). ("The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy")

Self quiz:

As we consider our sacrament experience, we might ask ourselves:

• What will I do this week to better prepare for the sacrament?
• Could I contribute more to the reverence and revelation that can accompany the beginning of sacrament meeting?
• What doctrine was taught in the sacrament hymn?
• What did I hear and feel as I listened to the sacrament prayers?
• What did I think about as the sacrament was passed?

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually. The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins.” (David A. Bednar, “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” )

The Scriptures—The Most Profitable of All Study

Tina D. taught our lesson today from Chapter 10: The Scriptures—The Most Profitable of All Study in the Howard W. Hunter manual.



Video of the story of Jairus


Living with Purpose and Real Intent

Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration: March 20, 2016

Megan J. lead us through a discussion of chapter 5 Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

• What do you KNOW about the Joseph Smith?
• How does what you know bring you closer to Christ and His Gospel?

[Elder] John A. Widtsoe defines a prophet as a teacher—one who expounds truth. He teaches truth as revealed by the Lord to man, and under inspiration explains it to the understanding of the people. The word “prophet” is often used to designate one who receives revelation and direction from the Lord. Many have thought that a prophet is essentially a foreteller of future events and happenings, but this is only one of the many functions of a prophet. He is a spokesman for the Lord.

A seer is one who sees. This does not mean that he sees through his natural eyes but rather through spiritual eyes. The seeric gift is a supernatural endowment. Joseph was like unto Moses, the ancient seer, and Moses saw God face to face, but he explains how he saw him in these words:

“But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him” (Moses 1:11).

A revelation makes known something unknown or which has been previously known by man and taken from his memory. Always the revelation deals with truth, and always it comes with the divine stamp of approval. Revelation is received in various ways, but it always presupposes that the revelator has so lived and conducted himself as to be in tune or harmony with the divine spirit of revelation, the spirit of truth, and therefore capable of receiving divine messages.   (Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration)

• What blessings have come to you through Joseph Smith?
• What can we learn from his example?

Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name - February 28, 2016

Miriam taught from Elder David A. Bednar's talk "Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name" from the October General Conference.

Elder Hales paused for a moment and responded, “When you cannot do what you have always done, then you only do what matters most.” (Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name)

• How have your priorities changed as you have matured? 

They have learned to understand the divine language of the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s patterns for receiving revelation. These ordinary men have undergone a most extraordinary developmental process that has sharpened their vision, informed their insight, engendered love for people from all nations and circumstances, and affirmed the reality of the Restoration. (Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name)

• How have you grown in your ability to receive and understand revelation?

As we counsel together, inspiration has been received and decisions have been made that reflect a degree of light and truth far beyond human intelligence, reasoning, and experience. As we work together in unity on perplexing problems, our collective understanding of an issue has been enlarged in marvelous ways by the power of the Holy Ghost. (Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name)

• What wisdom you have especially gleaned from "more seasoned" friends and family members, or from church leaders?

We heard from Gail, Carolyn P. and Jean of some wisdom they have gained over the years.
Patience, kindness, developing a listening ear, being understanding of other people, being slow to judge, having a forgiving spirit, accepting others having a different opinion than my own, letting go, respect in the home brings peace, judgement day is far off because there is still so much to teach, "There is nothing more confining than the prison we know not that we are in" - Shakespeare, find what's holding you back.

President James E. Faust

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Elder L. Tom Perry

President Boyd K. Packer

Elder Richard G. Scott

The Savior declared, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). May we hear and heed the eternal truths taught by the Lord’s authorized representatives. As we do so, I promise our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be fortified, and we will receive spiritual guidance and protection for our specific circumstances and needs. (Chosen to Bear Testimony of My Name)

The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life - November 22, 2015

Today Megan J. taught a discussion based on Elder Richard J. Maynes' talk, "The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life," from the October General Conference.

First, we shared 1-3 scriptures that were important in our life journeys in groups of 3 ladies. (Megan's examples were John 14:27, Alma 34:28, and the hymn "My Savior's Love") Then we discussed the following 4 quotes.

• "Centering our lives in Jesus Christ and His gospel will bring stability and happiness to our lives..." (The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• "Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness."(The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• If our lives are centered in Jesus Christ, He can successfully mold us into who we need to be in order to return to His and Heavenly Father’s presence in the celestial kingdom. The joy we experience in this life will be in direct proportion to how well our lives are centered on the teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life)

• When we perform these measurable duties properly, they produce a series of highly desirable results which are less measurable but very real. Indeed, when we have personal, reinforcing spiritual experiences, they will almost always occur in the course of our carrying out the duties just named. Further, carrying out these duties will entitle us to an ever-increasing companionship of the Holy Ghost. And when we have the Spirit with us, it means we have achieved significant Christocentricity in our lives, for we cannot be close to one member of the Godhead without being close to all three! (Elder Neil A. Maxwell, "The Christ-Centered Life")

Thanks for a great exchange, Megan!

Blessings of the Commandments - November 1, 2015

Rebecca S. lead a great discussion about the Lord's commandments with quotes from President Thomas S. Monson's talk "Keep the Commandments" and Carol M. Stevens talk “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments”.
Some may feel the commandments are a restriction but if you realize that they are a manifestation of God's love, our obedience can serve as a reply of love back to Heavenly Father.

Have there been times where you had to decide to keep the commandments?

God’s commandments are not given to frustrate us or to become obstacles to our happiness. Just the opposite is true. He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this often treacherous mortal journey. We remember the words of the familiar hymn: “Keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace.” "Keep the Commandments"

When was a time you remember being led by the Holy Ghost?

I admonish you to turn the volume down and to be influenced instead by that still, small voice which will guide you to safety. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head after you were baptized, confirming you a member of the Church and saying, “Receive the Holy Ghost.”⁵ Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice which testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word … , saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.”⁶ May we ever be in tune, that we might hear this comforting, guiding voice which will keep us safe. "Keep the Commandments"

Sister Stevens outlined in her talk that we needed to:

• Trust in God
• Trust in Jesus
• Trust in the whisperings of the Spirit
• Trust the counsel of living prophets

Temple symbols - March 1, 2015

We had guest teacher Lynne W. speak on some of the symbols of temple worship.  Here are a few notes from her robust lesson.

What a blessing it is for us to approach the veil of the temple, in biblical times only one man could do so, and only once a year.

 Elder John A. Widtsoe said: 'There is a feeling abroad that the benefits of the temple are primarily for the dead. This is not so. While the dead, if repentant, are able through our efforts to enter into a larger salvation, yet the work itself has a most beneficial effect upon the living who serve as proxies for the dead. . . . The response of the spirit of man to the ordinances of the House of the Lord stimulates every normal power and activity and helps greatly in the accomplishment of our daily tasks; more joy enters into the daily routine of life, . . . spiritual vision. . . love. . . peace tempers the tempests of life, and we rise to higher levels of thought and action. . . In this way the temples are always places where God manifests himself to man and increases his intelligence. A temple is a place of revelation.' (Christ Manifested to His People by Marion D. Hanks)

Catherine Thomas said: 'The temple is the narrow channel through which one must pass to reenter the Lord's presence. A mighty power pulls us through that channel, and it is the sealing power of the at-one-ment of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . In scripture we can study how the ancient great ones were drawn through that narrow channel to find their heart's desire . . . This was the very search for which they were put on earth: to rend the veil of unbelief, to yield to the pull of the Savior's sealing power, to stand in the Lord's presence, encircled about in the arms of his love (Doc. & Cov. 6:20; 2 Nephi 1:15). This then is the temple endowment: having been cast out, to search diligently according to the revealed path, and at last to be clasped in the arms of Jesus (Morm 5:11).' (Temples of the Ancient World by Donald Perry)

In ancient temple worship there is evidence of that they washed, anointed, clothed, enthroned and named people in the temple as a way to focus their service to Christ.  The olive oil used for anointing in the ancient temple was the first pressing of the olives.

Paul spoke on Veils of Authority in 1 Corinthians 11: 2-13 which explains why women wear veils. 'Head' can also mean 'source' so in verse 3: "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."
In verse 7, "but the woman is the glory of the man." instead of the glory of God.  Only through woman could man/humanity continue.

Brigham Young said "Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels (DBY, 416)."

Joys of Scripture Study - November 30, 2014

Sue J was our guest speaker from the Palo Alto 1st/Redwood City 2nd ward guiding us through a plan for better scripture study and the blessings of regular personal study.

Take this personal inventory:

• How many times a month do you have personal scripture study?
• How many minutes each time?
• On a scale of 1-10, what is your quality? 10 being that you learning something relevant, connect with the Lord, and feel the Spirit every time.

30 days-60 minutes-10 quality is possible if you want it.
The Lord wants it for us but needs us to want it.

On her mission, Sue met a humble woman who cared for handicapped men in her home. Scripture study meant a lot to her. She would get up an hour early to be in the Book of Mormon.
Her sacrifice allowed the Lord to bless her.  Sue tested this and found the same blessings.
Her commitment not to miss a day brought her a relationship where the Lord is always teaching her.


The process to be open to what the Lord has to teach:

• Have a set time. For Sue it is first thing in the morning. When would you set aside an hour?

At Gethsemane, Jesus Christ found his disciples asleep and said:

"What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:40

• Pray. For consciousness, to understand- a deeper meaning, to remember, I don't get this, have a conversation "help me" about what we're reading, revelation on concerns, direction/service, what to study, be more "(blank)"
  

Study General Conference talks, don't just read them.
Sue uses a journal and decides on a focus/principle.  Write.

Read till you find something to focus on.

For example, Sue was studying Elder Christofferson's talk from the most recent conference and wrote this passage in her journal:

It is God’s will that we be free men and women enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually, that we be free from the humiliating limitations of poverty and the bondage of sin, that we enjoy self-respect and independence, that we be prepared in all things to join Him in His celestial kingdom.

I am under no illusion that this can be achieved by our own efforts alone without His very substantial and constant help. “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”²⁴ And we do not need to achieve some minimum level of capacity or goodness before God will help—divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we are in the path of obedience. But I know that beyond desiring His help, we must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives consistent with justice and moral agency. My plea is simply to take responsibility and go to work so that there is something for God to help us with. 

I bear witness that God the Father lives, that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Redeemer, and that the Holy Spirit is present with us. Their desire to help us is undoubted, and Their capacity to do so is infinite. -Free Forever, to Act for Themselves By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

She chose "help" to be her study focus with thoughts of a couple she wanted to help.

• Begin in the Topical Guide or a scripture from memory.
• Write those scriptures in your journal.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Be still, and know that I am God Psalms 46:1-5, 10 

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:13-16 

This scripture made her feel comforted in worrying about how to help this couple.

• Write the words that come to you.
  

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. 1 Nephi 3:7

Reading this scripture, she felt inspired. If she was commanded then He will help her.

Revelation - November 23, 2014

Natalie M. instigated discussion based on the two conference talks: "Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth" by President Uchtorf and "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring.

• How we can we receive personal revelation?

Turn to the scriptures, develop a habit of prayer, let the spirit guide your prayers, limit distractions, be still, do your part/work, humble yourself before, set appropriate/righteous expectations.

Imagine Heavenly Father's joy when we choose the righteous path.

When Lehi heard Nephi speak..., the scripture says that “he was exceedingly glad.”¹ He was glad because he knew that Nephi had been blessed with confirming revelation that his father’s dream was a true communication from God. Nephi did not say, “I will go and do what my father told me to do.” Rather he said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring

Our children are also capable of making decisions from revelation.

President Boyd K. Packer described that identifying mark of the true Church this way: “Revelation continues in the Church: the prophet receiving it for the Church; the president for his stake, his mission, or his quorum; the bishop for his ward; the father for his family; the individual for himself.”² "Continuing Revelation" by President Eyring

We can receive revelation for those we love and have stewardship over.
It takes courage, as you act you can get more. We can be given revelation as we teach in our callings.

The Work of Latter-day Women: "Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause" - November 9, 2014

Tori G. led the discussion of women's roles in the Church and our place in the gospel.

• What is our role as women?

A role is defined as actors part in a play, or a position in a in a situation

• What do we learn about the role women play in the scriptures?

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

“The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me” (D&C 25:12)

Moses 5:1-12

"We may read in the Pearl of Great Price that after the consequences brought upon Adam and Eve by the fall, Eve preached the discourse." Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

Women play a key role

"These patterns have been restored in the latter days through the organization of the Relief Society. The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.”¹⁵ Sister Eliza R. Snow, the second Relief Society general president, reiterated this teaching. She said: “Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the church anciently.”¹⁶

Besides Joseph Smith, other latter-day prophets have testified that the organization of Relief Society is an inspired part of the Restoration, whereby women in the Church are called in ecclesiastical positions to serve one another and to bless the entire Church."  Daughters in My Kingdom

'The “Female Relief Society of Nauvoo” was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith assisted by Elder John Taylor. The Lord had revealed that the women of the Church should be organized into a society, for there was important work for them to do in aiding to “bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.” [D&C 6:6.] This labor of the sisters was primarily to be for the benefit, encouragement, and advancement of the women of the Church that they might be prepared in all things for a place in the celestial kingdom. The responsibility was also given them to aid in the work of mercy and relief from distress and suffering of the poor, the sick, and afflicted throughout the Church. All through the years since that organization, the sisters of this society have been true to their calling and have magnified themselves in their faithfulness in that work. No task assigned has been too hard; no responsibility neglected, and through their ministrations thousands have been blessed. Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

The 3 missions of Relief Society are:
- Increase in faith and personal righteousness
- Strengthen home and family
 - Service/help those in need

Every woman baptized into the Church has the hands of the elders laid on her head for the gift of the Holy Ghost that she may have the guidance of that Spirit in all truth. It is the will of the Lord that none may be without divine guidance which will reveal to them the truth and enable them to discern the light from the darkness and, thus, be fortified and given power to resist all false doctrines, theories, and notions, which are so prevalent in the world today.

Our sisters are entitled just as much to the inspiration for their needs of the Holy Spirit as are the men, every bit. They are entitled to the gift of prophecy concerning matters that would be essential for them to know. … When they pray they should pray earnestly, expecting to have an answer to their prayers. The Lord will hear them, if they are earnest, true, just as well as he will the brethren.

The Lord has promised to all, males and females alike, the gift of the Holy Ghost on conditions of faithfulness, humility, and true repentance. They are required to study and to know the truths of the gospel and to prepare themselves by study, faith, and obedience to all commandments to seek for light and truth that they may be entitled to celestial glory.

Chapter 24: The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: “Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause”

Emma Smith said:

“I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting.”

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father and that should guide our actions!

Protection from pornography- A Christ-focused home - September 28, 2014

Bishop G. taught a lesson based on Sister Reeves' conference talk "Protection from pornography- A Christ-focused home". He is serving as a Stake Service Missionary with the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) dealing with pornography addiction.

In his work with the ARP group, he has seen the deep sorrow this struggle brings and the amazing joy found as the atonement is applied in the lives of those he serves.

Pornography is a drug of the brain.

In 1972 the First Presidency issued this statement against pornography:

“There is abundant evidence of the damaging effect of obscenity on the solidarity of the family, on the moral fiber of the individual.

“We, with many leaders outside the church, are deeply concerned about this growing obscenity in print, on record and tape, on television, and in motion pictures.

“We therefore urge Latter-day Saint parents to teach their children to avoid smut in any of its insidious forms. ‘Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.’ (D&C 121:45.)

“The Lord has also said: ‘Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you.’ (D&C 90:18.)

“We also encourage Latter-day Saints as citizens to exert every effort to fight the inroads of pornography in their communities. History is replete with examples of nations which have fallen in a large measure through licentiousness.”

Ladies in our Relief Society fought against adult bookstores opening along El Camino many years ago.

 "We as leaders are increasingly concerned about the destruction that pornography is causing in the lives of Church members and their families. Satan is attacking with unprecedented fury."
Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home

Only former bishops are called to lead the recovery groups. The manual is based on the traditional 12 step program with additions to focus on utilizing the atonement of Jesus Christ.
In our area 5-10 attend. In Utah the average is more like 60.

• Why the difference?

Church statistics indicate that 30% of young women also have trouble with pornography.

Women of addicted husbands can attend a separate recovery group for support.

Elder Richard G. Scott has pleaded: “If you are free of serious sin yourself, don’t suffer needlessly the consequences of another’s sins. … You can feel compassion. … Yet you should not take upon yourself a feeling of responsibility for those acts.” Know that you are not alone. There is help. Addiction recovery meetings for spouses are available, including phone-in meetings, which allow spouses to call in to a meeting and participate from their own homes. Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home

• From men's perspective what were the gates?

Most are innocently exposed by another kid at an early age.
We are not the only church/group addressing pornography addiction.

• How do we talk about sexuality with our children and redefine what society tells them?

Pray, if you have a suspicion, it will surface, Heavenly Father will show you the truth.
Teach children to be prepared to deal with it.
Teach them to value themselves and talk with them/address the problem, how it is portrayed in the media.
Arm them with a plan before it happens so they have something already.
Let them know that you know it's out there, you aren't clueless.

Resources for Parents of Children and Teenagers
Filters for Apple and Android Smart phones and computers:
www.netnanny.com (fees)
www.commonsensemedia.com

Articles in Church Magazines on Pornography
New Era
"Stay Watchful", March 2014
"No Longer Addicted: My Journey to Overcome Pornography", December 2013
"The Secret Enemy", February 2011
The Friend
"Oh No, Now What", February 2014 What to do after accidentally seeing something bad.

Teaching Children about Sex
www.valuesparenting.com/talktokids; Linda and Richard Eyre

Deseret news articles
"Raising Real men: Teaching the whys of media consumption", Dec 17, 2013
"Linda and Richard Eyre: Porn is the villain, so what is the hero?", Nov 5, 2013
"In our opinion: Fighting against pornography", Jul 7 2013
"Hope and healing for pornography addiction", Sep, 12, 2012
"Helping others avoid and overcome pornography", Feb 12, 2012

Addiction Recovery:
Websites -
www.overcomingpornography.lds.org
www.arpsupport.org
www.fightthenewdrug.org

Books by LDS authors:
He Restoreth My Soul, D. Hilton
Clean Hands, Pure Heart, P. Harrison
He Did Deliver Me From Bondage, C. Harrison
Willpower is Not Enough, A. Boyd

Lesson Summary August 24, 2014

Katie T. led our discussion of Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk "Let Your Faith Show" about faith and priorities.

Katie began by relating two times she prayed and had faith she would be safe after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and a post 9/11 trip to Europe.

"When we speak of faith--the faith that can move mountains--we are not speaking of faith in general but of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." (Let Your Faith Show)

• What is the difference between faith and faith in Jesus Christ?

If you were navigating a boat and basing your movements on the path of a cow on a hill instead of the hill itself your path would not be on something fixed.

"The word religion literally means “to ligate again” or “to tie back” to God. The question we might ask ourselves is, are we securely tied to God so that our faith shows, or are we actually tied to something else?"(Let Your Faith Show)

• What can we be 'tied to' that distracts our lives?

Fashion, exercise excess, celebrities, academia, hobbies with Sunday activities.

"God declared in the first of His Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” He also said, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Yet so many people look only to their bank balance for peace or to fellow human beings for models to follow.

Clinicians, academicians, and politicians are often put to a test of faith. In pursuit of their goals, will their religion show or will it be hidden? Are they tied back to God or to man?

I had such a test decades ago when one of my medical faculty colleagues chastised me for failing to separate my professional knowledge from my religious convictions. He demanded that I not combine the two. How could I do that? Truth is truth! It is not divisible, and any part of it cannot be set aside."
(Let Your Faith Show)

The Veterans Administration (VA) recently had an issue with people putting priorities on monetary incentives for scheduling numbers. It took a whistleblower to bring the issue to light and the current secretary wants to focus on integrity in place of the incentives.

"Problems abound in this world because it is populated by imperfect people. Their objectives and desires are heavily influenced by their faith or lack of it. Many put other priorities ahead of God. Some challenge the relevance of religion in modern life.
But living the Lord’s pure religion, which means striving to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ, is a way of life and a daily commitment that will provide divine guidance. As you practice your religion, you are exercising your faith. You are letting your faith show. "(Let Your Faith Show)

• How does your faith influence your desires/objectives?

Having an eternal perspective, making a decision prior to a foreseeable situation brings increase of faith, trust the process/covenant path, role play prior to issue.

"The scriptures provide one of the best ways to find our course and stay on it. Scriptural knowledge also provides precious protection. For example, throughout history, infections like “childbirth fever” claimed the lives of many innocent mothers and babies. Yet the Old Testament had the correct principles for the handling of infected patients, written more than 3,000 years ago! Many people perished because man’s quest for knowledge had failed to heed the word of the Lord!

My dear brothers and sisters, what are we missing in our lives if we are “ever learning, [but] never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”? We can gain great knowledge from the scriptures and obtain inspiration through prayers of faith.

Doing so will help us as we make daily decisions. Especially when the laws of man are created and enforced, God’s laws must ever be our standard. In dealing with controversial issues, we should first search for God’s guidance." (Let Your Faith Show)

• Is that what I do, search the scriptures for greater knowledge?

Instead of basics we distract ourselves with other paths of decision to soothe anxiety. We need discipline to find answers from the scriptures instead of being fooled.  Surprise vs. crisis: we can be thoughtful and proactive in an ongoing way to not feel the crisis since we've been thinking about it.
We have the Spirit with us more, greater discernment of what is of man or what is in line with what you've felt spiritually.

• How does having faith encourage courage?

We might know that Jesus can do something but also having faith to accept that he does the right thing/what we need.

Lesson Summary June 8, 2014

Natalie M. led our discussion of Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost in the Joseph Fielding Smith manual.

• When has the Spirit prompted you to help someone?

"The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

• In what ways is communication to our spirits different from communication to our ears or our eyes? How is it more powerful?

"Every man can receive a manifestation of the Holy Ghost, even when he is out of the Church, if he is earnestly seeking for the light and for the truth. The Holy Ghost will come and give the man the testimony he is seeking, and then withdraw." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

Elder Bednar described it as the beams of a sunrise.

• What are some differences between receiving a manifestation of the Spirit and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost?

"What a glorious privilege this is to be guided constantly by the Holy Ghost and to have the mysteries of the kingdom of God made manifest." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

• In what ways have you been blessed through the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

• What can we do to prepare to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost?

"It is the privilege of every baptized person to have an abiding testimony of the restoration of the gospel, but this testimony will grow dim and eventually disappear unless we are constantly receiving spiritual good through study, obedience, and diligent seeking to know and understand the truth." (Chapter 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost)

• How can parents teach their children to recognize and receive this guidance? How can we teach others about the Spirit?